DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
LOWES BARN COMMUNITY PROJECT
BACKGROUND
The Lowes Barn Recreational Ground is located in Nevilles Cross, Durham and occupies a four and an half acre south facing site with a play area, multi-use games court, bowling green, grassed area, football pitch and bowls pavilion.
Originally, d3associates were commissioned by the Lowes Barn Community Project to develop a robust business plan, to bring together the key findings from the community consultation, and identify sustainable building options including budget costs, for the design and build of a Community Centre and improvements to the recreational value of the park.
OUTCOME
With construction now complete, the new Community Centre includes a large atrium for communal use, a main hall which can be sub-divided into two smaller rooms if required, a good size kitchen, meeting rooms, accessible toilets and separate storage space.
The emphasis of the centre is to serve the local community and build on the sites recreational and sporting heritage.With this in mind, careful consideration has been given to the overall design to create an aesthetically pleasing building that is sustainable, flexible, and adaptable, so as the community requirements change the building can change too.
The well insulated timber frame structure, heated by air source heat pumps powered by photovoltaic panels, is designed have low running costs and to be accessible to all.
The new Community Centre is now an integrated part of the local community. It’s completion successfully aligns with the proposed business plan and available budget. As per the original vision, the building sits comfortably within its environment giving seamless accessibility to the outdoor facilities and the surrounding locality.
Architect's 3D render of Lowes Barn
The recently completed building
Some external and internal details of the finished community centre
A series of 3D renders created by the d3a Architectural Team
“d3associates provided a structured approach to the design process to create a building which the whole community will be able to enjoy, not only for its functionality and flexibility, but also for the sustainability and aesthetics of the appearance which compliments the natural environment.
The team were a pleasure to work with throughout, and communicated ideas clearly, helping the group gain momentum and take the project forward.”
— Jennifer Thompson | Lowe’s Barn Community Project